Hip-Deep in Sawdust

In this interview with Brent Ashcroft on ABC’s WZZM13, John Guertin discusses Barns Into Birdhouses, how he salvages parts of vintage barns to make his artistic creations for birds and bats.

He also tells the story of President Gerald R. Ford and his personal support for his work.

Check out the article for a deeper dive interview.

Interview with MLive

John chats with MLive in Grand Rapids, Michigan about his conservationist roots & discusses the origins of Barns Into Birdhouses.

Check out the interview with Hope Davison from MLive!

Smithsonian “Craft Optimism” 2021 Exhibit

Barns Into Birdhouses recently returned to the Smithsonian Museum’s Craft and Design Show. This time, for the 2021 “Craft Optimism” Exhibit, an event highlighting commitment to the environment and climate change.

Check out the show details in the link above!

Why Barns Are Painted Red

patterson_barn-photographerdan-johnson-1“The Archives of the Shiawasee County Historical Society explain that a week or two after a farmer would put iron scraps into a large barrel of buttermilk, that buttermilk would be transformed into a durable red paint.

That this paint was so easy and so inexpensive to make explains why so many barns were red in color.”

Source: Michigan’s Heritage Barns – Mary Keithan – Michigan State University Press

Chicago Botanic Garden Show

John Guertin and Barns Into Birdhouses make an appearance this month at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques, Garden, & Design Show. Here John is featured with some of his designs, photo courtesy Chicago Tribune.